Why Trying Harder Isn’t Producing Spiritual Growth (And What Finally Does)
If you’ve been trying to be more patient, more loving, more peaceful—and nothing seems to last—something important may be missing.
Not because you're not trying, but because real spiritual fruit cannot grow without connection to its source.
You may be working hard to produce change without being rooted in the life that produces it.
That was my story too.
My Story: Busy in Church, But Not Growing
I grew up in church.
I knew the Bible stories.
I knew how to behave.
I knew what Christians were supposed to look like.
But for a long time, I didn’t see real spiritual growth in my life.
I didn’t feel steady.
I didn’t feel confident.
I didn’t feel strong.
I was around the Word—but I wasn’t deeply connected to the Source.
It wasn’t until I began spending consistent, personal, one-on-one, unrushed time with God in His Word and prayer that everything changed.
Not overnight.
Not by effort.
But by life.
Why Effort Alone Can’t Produce Spiritual Fruit
Jesus said something very clear:
“Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.”
That means spiritual fruit is not something we manufacture. It is something that grows naturally from relationship.
For years, I was trying to add love, joy, and peace to my life—instead of letting them rise out of the life of Christ within me.
No seed.
No life.
No fruit.
Salvation is the seed.
Abiding is the connection.
Growth is the result.
The Shift That Changed Everything
The change didn’t come from a new system or a better plan.
It came when I began to:
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Sit with God regularly
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Open His Word slowly
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Ask questions
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Listen instead of rush
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Pray honestly
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Let His truth impress my heart
Over time, something beautiful happened.
Confidence grew.
Peace settled.
Fruit appeared.
Not because I forced it—but because the Spirit of God was producing it.
And I want that for you too.
You Don’t Have to Keep Trying Harder
If you feel exhausted, discouraged, or unchanged despite your effort, hear this gently:
You don’t need to do all the things.
You don’t need to fix yourself.
You don’t need to perform spirituality.
You need consistent, personal time with the Lord—
where His Word is heard, understood, believed, and agreed with.
That is where life begins.
That is where growth comes from.
That is where peace follows.
What This Means for Your Home
When your faith is rooted in life—not striving—your home feels it.
Your tone changes.
Your reactions soften.
Your children don’t just hear faith—they see it lived.
That’s why I share this message.
Not to add pressure. But to invite you into a calmer, steadier, fruit-bearing walk with God.
Next Step
If you’re ready to make that daily time with God simpler and more peaceful, I’ve put together a resource guide with practical tools that remove distractions and support focused, meaningful time in God’s Word.
